Fannie S. Reed Cherished Memory

Alpha March 14, 1928 Omega February 1, 2024

Sister Fannie Smith Reed was the only child born to the union of James Smith, Jr. and Ruth Daniels Smith on March 14, 1928, in Collinston, LA. In her early years, the family relocated to Monroe, LA where she resided for most of her life until her health declined. During her decline, she was cared for in south Louisiana by her granddaughter, Tracy Auzenne (Michael), until she was called home by God, who opened His arms and welcomed her soul to eternal rest on February 1, 2024. At the age of twelve, she was baptized under Pastor P.C. Keal at Salem Baptist Church in Collinston, where she remained a loyal Christian until joining Tabernacle Baptist Church. She actively participated in various church functions, including Sunday School, the Baptist Training Union, the Junior and Senior Choirs, and Missionary classes. She completed her elementary and high school education at Monroe Colored High School. Later, she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Grambling State University and a Master's Degree in Elementary Education from Northeast Louisiana University, now the University of Louisiana (ULM). She supervised student teachers from ULM for several years before retiring from the Monroe City School Board after 26 years of service. Sister Fannie Reed was a long-time member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. After retiring from the school district and her husband Ansley Reed, Sr.'s retirement as the first Black police officer of Monroe, they owned and operated Elite Lounge for 40 years in the Booker T. community, as well as several other businesses in Ouachita Parish. Sister Fannie Reed married Brother Ansley Reed, Sr. in 1947, and to this union, one son was born, Ansley Reed, Jr. Sister Fannie Reed was preceded in death by her parents, James Smith and Ruth Daniels Smith; husband, Ansley Reed, Sr.; and son, Ansley Reed, Jr. She leaves to cherish her memories three grandchildren, Benoit Benjamin, Jacqueline Thurston, and Tracy Reed Auzenne, a daughter-in-law, Daryl Reed, and a host of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren who adored her. The family would like to extend a special thanks to her long-time neighbors, Jessie Ward and Carolyn Benjamin. The family requests that visitation hours be observed on Monday, February 12, 2024, 12:00 – 1:00 PM at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Monroe, LA. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Smith Funeral Home.

For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; whether we die, we die unto the Lord; Whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. – Romans 14:8.